[kuskye25]

I have never checked timing on a vehicle and id like to take a look at mine and or modify it. I'm wondering cost on tools and the basics on how its done. Also to opinions on pros/cons and what to set it at for best preformance, I have a stock 88 5.0 engine and upgraded exhaust.
thanks

[Tony_90fox]

timing light and a wrench for the distributor is all you really need. Might be easier with two people but can be done with one person. I have mine set at 14* with 93 octane. try 12*, run around, then if you feel it can handle more, bump it up...if you hear pinging and such, back the timing off. Here is a BASIC idea of what to do.

Start the car
shine timing light at the balancer
take out spout connector
loosen distributor
turn distributor slowly(you'll hear the car change idle a bit)
watch the balancer and when your disired setting is reached, tighten distributor.
turn off car, wait a minute
start car, and make sure timing is still set at desired location.
put the spout back into the connector

[kuskye25]

ok thanks, im not really clear on what advancing it really does "like from 12* to 14*" is it good/bad maybe you can fill in the few blanks i have there

[Tony_90fox]

It's "free horsepower" i dont really know how much, but it is one of those things that doesnt cost anything and will give you a little edge on "stock" mustangs.

I could feel a difference from 10* to 14*...i have never tried 12 so i dont know about that one.

Its good if you can afford 92/93 octane. Some say their cars have trouble starting if the timing is advanced too much but i havent had that problem.

[kuskye25]

cool man sounds easy and think ill go straight to 14*, with help from car buddy i have here and im sure he has timing light, so i can see it done the first time at least, im sure he wont charge me more then $30 so whatever

yes all i run is premium gas in this beast 92/93

[Tony_90fox]

charge you $30 for what?

[kuskye25]

$30 to time it for me while i watch, hes a onsite mechanic, i have no friends into cars, sucks hahaha. i dont want to spend $50 on a timing light right now and im always alone on my projects so didnt want to f it up...

thanks for your help though

[Tony_90fox]

Originally Posted by kuskye25 $30 to time it for me while i watch, hes a onsite mechanic, i have no friends into cars, sucks hahaha. i dont want to spend $50 on a timing light right now and im always alone on my projects so didnt want to f it up... thanks for your help though

hey no problem, but do yourself a favor. Whenever you have some extra cash, buy yourself a timing light...everytime you rebuild your motor, or just want to tune it down some, you will need to re-time it...